Loading...
Bedding & Pillows at Harvey Norman NZ

Duvet Inners – Buyers Guide

Selecting the right duvet inner

Choosing the right duvet inner is vital in creating a comfortable sleeping environment. We offer a wide range of breathable duvet inners in natural fibres that help regulate your temperature for a great night's sleep.

You can enjoy a comfortable and cosy sleep with the right duvet. Choosing the right insert is a matter of personal preference and specific needs. Consider factors such as fill weight, size, and material when deciding.

What are the different types of duvet inners?

When shopping for a duvet inner in New Zealand, you'll come across several types, including:

Side Sleep Position Icon
100% Wool:

Woollen duvets are a natural, sustainable fibre that is biodegradable and renewable, making it eco-friendly. This insulating fibre adapts to help keep you warm in winter and cools you down in summer. The breathable material wicks away moisture and is allergy friendly. They come in different weights to suit different temperatures and preferences, offering you a year-round solution. Generally, the heavier the weight, the warmer the duvet will be.

Asthma or Allergies Icon
Tencel:

Made from eucalyptus pulp, Tencel is an environmentally friendly fibre that is soft, silky, lightweight and feels cool. Tencel is breathable and has excellent moisture-wicking properties, making it a great option for hot sleepers. It also has natural anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic properties. Our Tencel duvet items are Sensitive Choice approved, ideal for people with asthma or allergies.

Front Sleep Position Icon
Wool/Tencel Blend:

This blend of Tencel and wool fibres provides the best of both worlds. The Tencel fibres keep you cool, while the wool provides warmth, making it a perfect choice for those who want a comfortable and cosy sleep.

Hot Sleeper Icon
Down and feather:

This fill material combines soft down and feathers from ducks. Down provides warmth, while feather provides structure – the combination provides a balance of weight and warmth. It offers excellent insulation, a light and fluffy feel, breathability, and retains heat. Suitable for cold sleepers. Choosing a higher percentage of down provides a warm yet softer, fluffier and luxurious feel. A feather and down duvet will give your bed a plump look.

Asthma or Allergies Icon
Silk:

Luxuriously soft and light, silk-filled duvets are hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating. It wicks away moisture and helps keep you comfortable all night long.

Asthma or Allergies Icon
Alpaca:

Alpaca wool is the ultimate luxury. It's lighter and provides more warmth than sheep wool. The breathable and moisture-wicking fibre helps keep you comfortable and regulated throughout the night, regardless of the season. It's also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria and odours.

Which duvets are suited for sleepers who have allergies or skin sensitivities?

Pillows at Harvey Norman

If you have allergies, look for the Sensitive Choice logo (marked with a bright blue butterfly) endorsed by the National Asthma Council of Australia and as a safe choice for those susceptible to allergies and skin sensitivities. Consider hypoallergenic fills, outer coverings, and duvet covers made from organic mulberry silk, Tencel, and wool.

We recommend using a duvet protector to guard against dust mites, allergens and other particles. This can be easily removed and washed, making it easier to keep your bedding fresh and clean. Available to order in store.

What is the right fill weight for a duvet inner?

Pillows at Harvey Norman

Fill weight refers to the amount of filling material in a duvet, usually measured in GSM (grams per square metre).

When choosing a new duvet inner, consider the level of warmth you need and how heavy you want the duvet to feel. A higher GSM and loft will give that plump look to your bed and generally be warmer. In comparison, a lower GSM and loft will be thinner and lighter.

As a rough guide:

  • Opt for a lighter, lower GSM duvet and natural fillings like silk or Tencel for warmer months. These materials keep you cool and comfortable – brilliant for summer or hot sleepers.
  • A higher GSM, or wool or feather and down fills, are ideal for cooler months. It regulates body temperature and keeps you warm.
  • All Season/Four Seasons, a set of two duvet inners are combined and easily detachable. Use both during cooler months and switch to a single duvet during warmer months.

What size should a duvet inner be?

Pillows at Harvey Norman

Duvets are available in a variety of sizes, from single to Californian king. Here at Harvey Norman, we also cater to specialist sizes such as New Zealand Super King and Australian Super King.

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend purchasing a duvet inner and cover that's a size bigger than your mattress. For instance, if you have a queen mattress, aim at buying a king duvet inner/cover. This will give you better coverage of the mattress. If you have a deep mattress or a partner who likes to steal the blanket, go up one or two sizes.

When is it time to replace my duvet inner?

Pillows at Harvey Norman

Unfortunately, duvet inners don't last forever. Ideally, it would be best if you changed your duvet every two to five years, although this depends on the quality of your duvet and how well you look after it.

Changing your duvet will help you enjoy healthier, better-quality sleep. Some signs to look out for are lumps, discolouration, loss of fluffiness and springiness, leakage of stuffing, or if you're using an anti-allergy duvet and start to feel allergic, it's a sign that you should think about a new duvet.

How should I care for my duvet inner?

Pillows at Harvey Norman

Regular fluffing and airing will help maintain a plump look and evenly distributes the filling. Follow the care label instructions when caring for your duvet. Some may be machine washable, while others need to be professionally cleaned. For instance, if your duvet is too big or your washing machine is small.

If the care label instructions say it's machine washable, ensure the duvet is dry by letting it air dry in the shade. A wet duvet inner could encourage mould to grow. Keep your bedding clean and fresh by using a duvet cover.

Please confirm your selection

Store Picker

Travel Mode

Stores